HISTORY

Sheesh Mahal in old Moti Bagh is designed on the pattern of Shalimar Garden of Lahore with terraces,fountains,channels and flower beds. It was built by Maharaja Narendera Singh in 1847 A.D. at  a cost of 5 lacs. The Sheesh Mahal Museum at Patiala has great importance in the field of painting, sculptures, medals and decorative art objects.

Maharaja Narendra singh was a patron of literature, music and fine arts.There were many poets , scholars and historians in his court.He employed many artists, who hailed from kangra and Rajasthan  and expressed their talents on the walls of by depicting vision on the poetiry if Keshav das, Surdas and Behari lal in line and colour. Mythology,legends,raga-ragini, Nayak nayika and bara-masa themes are also depicted on its  walls.A special room known as sheesh  mahal was got constucted by maharaj displaying the skills of artists in the convex and coloured mirrors.Some designs remind of the floral designs of jahangir’s period.

A very fine set of miniature paintings based on the themes of “Geet Govinda” in kangra style,based on jai deva’s poetry, is greatly commended by lovers of art.the kangra paintings also displayed here,represent the best production of art dealing with krishna-lila.the marvelous pieces of art reflect the highest professional skill and delicate taste of the artists.who executed these works.These paintings tand out as agreat legacies of the middle of 19th century (1845 A.D).This art of paintings was patronised by RAJA NIHAL SINGH OF KAPURTHALA.